Must-have skin care products for 2012

Elizabeth Mitchell is a freelance fashion and beauty writer living in Los Angeles. A graduate of New York University, she regularly contributes to The Fashion Spot, The Luxury Spot and authors the Star Style column for StyleBakery Teen. ...

Fabulously flawless

2012 is all about becoming a better, stronger, more beautiful you -- inside and out. So if you’ve been slacking off on your skin care regimen this past year, make a change, pull it together and start snatching up these must-have products for flawless looking skin.

COVERGIRL and Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer

Say hello to gorgeous, younger looking skin in three minutes (no surgery required)! Known for its three-minute facelift effect, COVERGIRL's Simply Ageless Serum Primer helps boost skin elasticity, smooth appearance and hydrate the skin for an all-over instant firm and ageless canvas. Combine with COVERGIRL's other Simply Ageless products for the best results.

Andrea DeSimone Milkseed Oil

"Milkseed Oil ($45) is derived from milkweed, the major food source for caterpillars before they turn into Monarch butterflies," notes New York City based aesthetician, Andrea DeSimone. And coincidentally enough, it holds the same transformative powers for human skin. This stuff "helps balance skin tone, calm redness, soothe lines and boost skin's sun protection," states Andrea. All you need is five drops in the morning and evening to achieve happy, healthy skin all year long.

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Cellular Support

True beauty starts from within, so why shouldn't your skin care? Sibu Beauty's Cellular Support ($30) soft gel supplements nourish and protect the body, while promoting healthy hair, skin and nails from the inside out. This stuff is great because it utilizes the unique sea buckthorn oil antioxidant (AKA, "The Holy Fruit of the Himalayas") to increase vitality, help combat wrinkles and provide nutritional support for the skin.

Neova DNA Damage Control Active SPF 45

Headed somewhere warm for the New Year, or just looking for some extra protection? Then don't forget to pack Neova's DNA Damage Control Active SPF 45 for your face and body ($46). A highly effective physical sunblock that provides complete photoprotection, this stuff will come in handy when you're frolicking on the beach day and evening.

Motion Medica No Time to Shower Botanical Mist

Let's face it. Some days you just don't have time to hit the showers. So instead of spritzing yourself with overbearing perfume (or worse, nothing), freshen up with Motion Medica's No Time to Shower Botanical Mist. Perfect for those fitness fashionistas who just love to work out, this stuff won't simply cover up body odor -- it'll kill it.

Soapbox Soaps

Start the New Year off on the right foot with an all-natural, soothing soap that not only betters your skin, it betters the world! Soapbox Soaps leaves the natural glycerin in their bars (unlike most brands) to give skin a softer, sexier feel. Plus, for every purchase made, they'll donate a bar to a child in need. Get yours stat in oatmeal, lemongrass or lavender (which all smell blissful, by the way).